Borough of West Newton

The council meeting addressed various borough matters including public comments regarding parking meters and a parking variance request. Key business items included reports from the engineer, solicitor, zoning, mayor, police, and emergency management. Financial and operational motions were considered, such as payments for police and emergency services, hiring part-time officers, and staff travel reimbursements for training. Additional agenda items covered road paving bids, sewage treatment asset agreement discussions, professional development for personnel, the retention of a part-time secretary, and a parking lot lease agreement.

The work session included discussions regarding a mural invoice for the bank and the allocation of APRA funds specifically for the gymnasium.

The board meeting covered several key topics including the approval of a purchase for a water buffalo for park maintenance, discussion of traffic concerns on N. Water Street, and reports from various departments including engineering, legal, code enforcement, and police. The council discussed grant opportunities for river gauge installation and time capsule committee activities. Financial actions included payment of unpaid bills, reimbursement for wastewater management coursework, renewal of the garbage collection contract, and renewal of the Secretary/Treasurer's notary license. Additionally, the board adopted a resolution to establish a new emergency services tax bank account and passed an ordinance regulating the use of e-bikes and electric scooters.

The council addressed various infrastructure and administrative items, including the approval of pump purchases and piping replacements for the lift station under the PA Small Water and Sewer Grant Project. Permit fees for the LTCP Phase II Forcemain Replacement Project were authorized, and the council initiated actions to condemn a property on E. Main Street. Additional actions included authorizing survey work for Vine Street Park, adopting the Westmoreland County Hazard Mitigation Plan, and approving bills and reimbursements. The council also discussed grant opportunities, municipal agreements, and advertising for professional services for tree maintenance in Goehring Park.

The meeting included the opening and review of bids for Goehring Park projects funded by a DCNR Grant. The engineer's report covered the approval of a proposal from State Pipe Services, Inc. to drain the lift station, the adoption of a resolution for the CFA Act 13 Grant program, and selection for the Vine Street Park Improvements Project. Other key actions included approval for payment regarding mural installation on the Commercial Bank building and the final balance for the demolition of the GC Murphy Building by the Land Bank. The council authorized advertising for the 2026 paving project for several streets, not to exceed $108,000.00, and the advertisement of an ordinance to vacate a section of Jefferson Court. Finally, approval was granted to reimburse wastewater treatment training expenses.